Fans excitedly returned to Middle-earth for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power prequel series on Amazon Prime Video. Set during the Second Age, the series has introduced a few new characters inspired by the work of J. R. R. Tolkien while exploring some favorites from the original cinematic adaptations by director Peter Jackson.
While there are already a few incredibly likable characters from The Rings of Power, fans first fell in love with the original The Lord of the Rings characters. These characters are likable due to their unique personalities, steadfast determination, and kindness toward others. Gandalf is on the same level as Hobbits like Samwise Gamgee when it comes to their place in the hearts of fans.
10 Éowyn And Faramir Were Both The Second Born In Their Family Who Fought For Respect
The niece of the King of Rohan and the son of the Steward of Gondor both dealt with similar pressures as the second born in their family. Éowyn wished she could join her older brother Éomer as a Rider of the Rohirrim. She got her wish when she joined the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. She won over fans with her determination and victory over the Witch-king of Angmar.
Faramir lived in the shadow of his older brother Boromir and fought for the respect of his father, Denethor II. Faramir was captain of the Rangers and one of the few outside of the Fellowship to trust in the Hobbits to carry out their mission. Faramir and Éowyn fell in love after the greatest battle of the Third Age, further winning over fans of the likable characters.
9 Arondir Is A Skilled Silvan Elf From The Rings Of Power Who Fell In Love With A Human
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has introduced a few new characters that weren’t in the large collection of works from author J. R. R. Tolkien. The prequel series has followed the storylines of a few of LotR's strongest elves like Elrond and Galadriel as they investigated the return of the powerful Dark Lord Sauron.
Arondir is a Silvan Elf who watched over the people of the Southlands. However, he fell in love with a human woman named Bronwyn. This made the new elf even more captivating to fans of the Amazon series. While Arondir is still a bit of a mystery, he’s already earned quite a few fans due to his fighting skills and compassionate attitude.
8 Bilbo Baggins Is The Hero From The Hobbit Who Took The One Ring From Gollum
For a lot of fans, The Hobbit served as the introduction to Tolkien’s literary world of Middle-earth instead of The Lord of the Rings. Bilbo Baggins from the Shire joined a party of dwarves for a mission to the Lonely Mountain. Fans fell in love with the likable hobbit in the book and in the three-part cinematic adaptation because of his good nature and relatable attitude.
While the character didn’t have as large of a role in The Lord of the Rings, his part in the story was crucial. Bilbo originally took Sauron’s One Ring from Gollum in The Hobbit, which would lead to the Fellowship’s later mission. Bilbo’s send-off in The Lord of the Rings gave fans a heartfelt final moment with the beloved character who had left such a huge mark on the franchise.
7 Durin IV Is The Most Likable Dwarf From The Rings Of Power Who Discovered Mithril
There were a few things that fans didn't want in The Rings of Power, which included a comedic take on the dwarves. Thankfully, a mature look at a troubled friendship appeared instead. A younger take on Elrond called upon an old friend in the Mines of Moria named Durin IV. The dwarf wasn’t exactly thrilled to see Elrond after their long time apart, but they quickly reconciled.
Durin is both incredibly likable and relatable to some fans. His caring relationship with his wife highlighted the family dynamic of the dwarves that fans had yet to see on screen. Durin and his team helped discover a powerful metal that would become known as Mithril, further cementing him into the foundation of The Lord of the Rings storyline.
6 Elrond Appeared In Both The Lord Of The Rings And The Rings Of Power Storylines
Fans are likely more familiar with the elder version of Elrond seen in the live-action The Lord of the Rings trilogy. There aren't too many characters on the same level as Elrond, an Elven king with a long history in Middle-earth. Fans are currently following the younger version of the character during the Second Age on The Rings of Power.
The original cinematic version won over fans with his commanding presence and intense love for his daughter. Elrond’s compassion is also seen in his contribution to Aragorn’s upbringing as well as his place in the wars against the Dark Lords of Middle-earth. While fans are just starting to fall in love with Elrond in The Rings of Power, it’s clear he has the potential to also become a favorite.
5 Gimli The Dwarf Joined The Fellowship And Became Close Friends With Legolas The Elf
Fans are currently falling in love with Elrond and Durin in The Rings of Power. However, it was the friendship between Gimli and Legolas that first captivated fans in The Lord of the Rings. It's not a secret in The Lord of the Rings that dwarves and elves were not particularly friendly toward each other. This initially caused tension between Gimli and Legolas.
Thankfully, they soon bonded over their shared bravery, combat skills and honor. Gimli was a hardened warrior who was skilled with an axe, while Legolas was an exceptional marksman with the fleet-footedness of an elf. Fans instantly liked both characters on their own, but soon fell in love with the duo as their friendship developed across the cinematic trilogy.
4 Galadriel Is A Powerful Elf Who Played A Large Role Across The Entire Franchise
Fans are currently enjoying a new take on the powerful Elf Galadriel in The Rings of Power. The future Elven queen and Lady of Light appeared in the Amazon Prime series as a powerful warrior. She is incredibly determined in carrying on her fallen brother’s mission to stop the return of the Dark Lord, Sauron. Of course, fans really fell in love with the character in The Lord of the Rings.
That version of Galadriel instantly put the Fellowship members at ease with her appearance and helped inspire Frodo to carry on in his journey. Her gifts were also crucial to the success of the Fellowship’s mission to destroy the One Ring. Galadriel is one of the most beloved characters because of her intense compassion and incredible power.
3 Frodo Baggins And Samwise Gamgee Won Over Fans Because They Never Gave Up
The first members of the Fellowship of the Ring who gathered to stop the return of Sauron were Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee. Frodo Baggins took on the mission alone, but no one could stop Sam from following his closest friend and ensuring his safety. Frodo and Sam’s friendship not only carried the One Ring to Mount Doom, even though they weren't the strongest magic users.
Frodo struggled against the weight of the One Ring, but he proved his perseverance by carrying on. Samwise never let his friend fall down and he showed incredible loyalty that withstood the manipulations of Gollum. They don't get much more likable that Frodo and Sam, which made fans rejoice when they both received their own version of a happy ending.
2 Aragorn Fought For The Free People Of Middle-Earth As The Future King Of Gondor
Fans weren’t initially sure what to think of the mysterious Ranger known as Stryder when he first appeared in The Lord of the Rings. However, Aragorn soon revealed his true name, as well as his good heart, bravery and dedication to helping others. Aragorn struggled with his destiny as the rightful King of Gondor, but he more than earned the title during the War of the Ring.
Fans fell in love with Aragorn for a few reasons, including his mastery in battle against the dark forces of Mordor. He led the allied armies of man and elf to victory at Helm’s Deep and in the final push against Sauron’s armies. His extreme love for the equally beloved Arwen also won over fans, making Aragorn even more likable.
1 Gandalf The White Is A Powerful Wizard And Friend To Almost Everyone He Meets
Without a doubt, one of the most likable characters in The Lord of the Rings franchise is the powerful wizard known as Gandalf. He first appeared as Gandalf the Grey in The Hobbit, though he eventually took on a powerful new role as Gandalf the White after his death in battle against the Balrog.
Gandalf was instrumental in both Hobbit-led adventures that would ultimately end the threat of Sauron once and for all. However, he was still best known among the people of Middle-earth for his extreme kindness, trustworthiness, and stunning fireworks displays. Fans fell in love with Gandalf because he was a good friend to all who elevated everyone around him.